Mythology: Moloch. The meaning of the name and essence of the deity

Moloch is one of the most controversial characters in mythology. He was alternately attributed a demonic or, conversely, divine essence. Until now, among archaeologists, historians, esotericists, magicians and demonologists, the debate about who Moloch is is not abating. In the article we will tell a little about this deity.

The first mentions

Information about this creature can be found in the Old Testament books and Semitic traditions. Of course, ancient mythology will be useful. Moloch is first mentioned in the Torah. In this holy book, the prohibition of the sacrifice offered by Jews to their children to a given deity is registered. Anyone convicted of such idolatry should have been immediately killed by his relatives and neighbors. In the scriptures, it is often said that the children given away go straight into the fire. This is the very first controversial point concerning Moloch (god or idol). Some historians believe that we are talking about child sacrifices.Others adhere to the version of the jumping over the fire and ritual dances.

Connection with the cult of Baal

The worship of this deity was widespread in the Semitic countries. Balu was first prayed in Tire and Phenicia. Then Carthage joined these states. It was there that began the tradition of burning children who died before the age of seven. And at the time of the strong needs of the Carthaginians could sacrifice and living children. Such an offering was called “molkh”, which is consonant with the name of the deity considered in this article. Between the traditions described above, a number of linguists draw a direct parallel. This allows them to declare completely incorrect interpretations of the Old Testament, the Talmud and the Torah.

Moloch - deity or demon?

In the Middle Ages, only one opinion was widespread about him. People considered Moloch a demon. It was during this period that the famous grimoires wrote, which colorfully told about the most different inhabitants of the Underworld. Many demons were gods in the past, and it is quite obvious that the authors scooped information about them from Jewish sources. But even in the Middle Ages, many magicians argued about whether Moloch was a kind of demons, like the demon Abara, or a certain person like Beelzebub.By the way, in many religious treatises, the Molochs are repeatedly mentioned in the plural.

Little is known about the very demonic essence of Moloch. In the kabalistic worldview, MacGregor Mathers considered him one of the arch-opposes opposing celestial forces. But there is another version. The patron saint of tears - this is how ancient mythology refers to an idol. Moloch, according to various theorists, loves mothers crying for their children. Their shed tears are his best gift.

Bloody sacrifices to Moloch

According to legends and Semitic legends, these rituals were almost always associated with fire. And in almost all cases, with the exception of very rare, children were sacrificed. Although in some sources there is mention of the fact that Moloch can not give his seed. This is probably due to the traditions of fertility among the landowning peoples. They considered the male seed a source of life and a ritual sacrifice for the future harvest.

Nevertheless, despite the strict ban on the worship of Moloch, in the territory inhabited by the Semitic peoples such rituals were very common.The Bible lacked direct descriptions of the creature. But from other sources it is known that this idol, demon or god had bull horns or bull head. Some considered Moloch the embodiment of the Golden Calf. Others assumed that the children were indeed thrown into the brazier inside the metal demon. According to one of the versions, babies were given to him directly in red-hot hands, so that they literally were fried alive.

Fire Hell and Moloch

There is a connection between them that underlies the key principles of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The word "hell" was formed from the name of the valley of Hinnom, located near Jerusalem. It was there that the pagan sacrifices to the fire were made, and in the future the bodies of animals and various garbage were simply burned. This is probably why there was a version that the Molochs dwell in fiery hell.

It was also believed that the god Moloch sends luck. She comprehends the one who offers him a terrible sacrifice. Belief in this ritual strengthened the salvation of Carthage from the Greek army immediately after the sacrifice of the children of the highest nobility. Therefore, it is forbidden among the Orthodox to ask the Lord for good luck, so as not to remember the name of the bloody devil.

After the appearance of the Mosaic Laws, ritual infanticide was prohibited.Those who violated the rule were punished with the death penalty (Lev. 20: 2; Lev. 18:21). However, the Semites practiced rituals up to the Babylonian captivity (586 BC).

The meaning of the name and the image of Moloch in art

What does mythology tell us about this? Moloch has been repeatedly mentioned in various ancient Jewish sources, including the Bible. If one does not consider the version of the origin of this name from the rite of sacrifice, then its meaning is rather unambiguous. In ancient Judean, Melech is the king. That is why this demon appears before people in a royal guise, towering above them.

In addition, artists and the dictionary often identify Moloch with a murderous soulless mechanism. He does not think about the personal desires and feelings of the victims and literally grinds them. And in hot countries there lives a completely harmless, but rather terrible lizard, which is also called moloch. She has scaly scales all over her body, forming large horns on her head. Scientists have named it so in honor of the pagan god.

Many adherents of Messianic Judaism see in Moloch the main enemy of the Messiah - Mashiah Shedim.It is known that the coming of the Messiah will mean the end of hostility between the nations and the eradication of evil as such. According to the legends, on that day the Jerusalem temple will rise from the ashes, and after the Last Judgment will be held, the Kingdom of the Lord will reign on earth.

Conclusion

At this stage of development of the magical sciences and history it is impossible to make a final conclusion regarding the essence of Moloch. But you should always remember about the bloody and evil rituals associated with it, which ancient mythology colorfully describes. Moloch appears there before the readers as a terrible idol. Therefore, you should not turn to him in prayers - all the holy books of Islam, Christianity and Judaism warn against this.